Vetern Albuquerque cop recovering after being shot during traffic stop
Lou Golson, an 31-year veteran Albuquerque police officer was shot twice during a traffic stop of a suspected drunken driver Saturday. Golson is said to be recovering.
Albuquerque, N.M.
An Albuquerque police officer shot during a traffic stop of a suspected drunken driver is a 31-year veteran who came out of retirement to work in the department's DWI unit.
Lou Golson was shot twice, at least once in the torso, as he tried to question a motorist early Saturday morning, police said. It was not known what provoked the driver to shoot at Golson, who returned fire before the suspect fled from the scene.
Golson is listed in stable condition following surgery, police said. Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden said he will need additional surgeries.
"His road to recovery will be long, and the family asks that we do not divulge the extent of his injuries. But I will tell you that they are serious injuries, and we pray he will be able to return to work at the Albuquerque Police Department," Eden said.
More than 60 people have stopped to see him at University of New Mexico Hospital, said Stephanie Lopez, president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, a police union.
Eden said there was "no indication at this time" if any of the Golson's shots struck the suspect, who is now the subject of a massive manhunt by local and federal agencies.
The lapel camera attached to Golson "captured the entire incident from start to finish," Eden said. "The video lasts just seconds. Officer exits his vehicle, he approaches the (suspect's) vehicle, shots are fired, the officer returns fire and the suspect flees. It happens very, very quickly."
Meanwhile, authorities say the gunman remains at large, and police asked the public's help in identifying the attacker. Police released three blurry photos taken from Golson's label camera.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has offered a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect, and the U.S. Marshals Service is posting a $10,000 reward.